BiS in brief: New pet store opens on Skidaway

The locally owned shop has a focus on fresh, handcrafted treats prepared in the store’s own bakery along with pet foods and chews and upscale, eco-friendly pet boutique items, gifts and accessories.

“I’m excited to offer premium dog and cat foods and chews, fresh baked gourmet treats prepared on site and a selection of exclusive boutique items that are stunning in their attention to detail,” said owner and manager Barbara Justice.

Chicken Salad Chick, a new, fast-casual restaurant concept, is scheduled to open its new franchise location in Savannah on Wednesday at 7400 Abercorn St, Suite 512.

“The city of Savannah certainly embodies the southern charm that we portray in our restaurants, so we have been looking forward to taking our concept there,” said Kevin Brown, president of Chicken Salad Chick.

Tim and Kelly Paslawski, of Savannah Chick LLC, own the Savannah franchise. This location will be their first of two local restaurants, as well as one in Hilton Head, S.C.

“We think Savannah is going to fall in love with this concept, just as we have,” said Kelly Paslawski.

The Chicken Salad Chick concept was established in Auburn, Ala., in 2008.

Fundraising kickoff set for United Way

United Way of the Coastal Empire will hold its official 2014 campaign kickoff from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Savannah Civic Center.

The campaign kick-off officially marks the beginning of United Way’s fundraising efforts in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties. Highlights of the event include announcement of the four-county fundraising goal, recognition of campaign cabinet members, loaned associates and the results of pacesetter’s campaign already in progress.

Additionally, four individuals whose lives have been changed through the help of United Way funded agencies will share their life stories. This year’s United Way Campaign is chaired by Jenny Gentry, market president for Wells Fargo.

Tickets are $15 apiece or $240 for a table of 16. For more information, go to www.uwce.org.

Taste of Pooler to kick off

The Taste of Pooler celebration will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Ave.